emperor chapter 17

Chapter 9 – The Mark

“Ah!”

“What is it?” Aria’s exclamation, tinged with sudden realization, prompted Raphaerd’s question.

“Hmm…” Aria hesitated, lost in thought. While contemplation was acceptable, if it persisted, she really ought to set down that stack of papers. Now she’s going to increase my workload?, he thought, irritated. He’d been in the process of transcribing numerous official documents to be sent to distant temples. Aria, despite his protests that her presence was more of a hindrance, had insisted on helping. If you’re going to help, at least do it properly. How many pages have you even moved before spacing out?

Despite Raphaerd’s evident displeasure, Aria remained oblivious, her mind elsewhere.

“Is Her Holiness shy?”

“How absurd. If you have time to gossip, finish moving those documents.” Raphaerd’s tone was sharp, though inwardly, he pondered her words. Miniel had been acting strangely lately. Her behavior and reactions were subtly different, as if a splash of color had been added to a blank canvas. A newfound vitality emanated from her. Having walked the royal path due to her innate holy power, Miniel, though exceptionally qualified as a Saintess, had always seemed devoid of desire, almost to the point of boredom. Though I find even that aspect of her appealing…

“I think so…” Aria’s quiet murmur was lost on Raphaerd.

“What? What did you say?”

“Nothing. Just continue with your work.” Aria, assuming Raphaerd’s muttered words were simply another instance of his well-known meticulousness, dismissed them and returned to her own thoughts. She’d been preoccupied with the perfume. She’d inadvertently omitted a crucial detail before leaving Miniel. The magic affected not only the one who perceived the scent, but also the wearer. If Miniel’s heart raced because of the perfume, she might misinterpret her own feelings. But since Her Majesty and Her Holiness are married, it shouldn’t be a problem, right…? Having thoroughly rationalized the situation, Aria felt a wave of relief. As if mirroring her inner sigh, a gust of wind blew through the open window.

“Oh! The papers…!” One of the documents Aria held was swept out the window by the wind. She rushed towards the corridor, but Raphaerd stopped her.

“I’ll get it.” He stepped outside. The paper had flown towards the Imperial Palace, where Miniel resided. Whether the document was confidential or not was irrelevant. He had an excuse to check on Miniel’s safety, and that was all that mattered. Raphaerd hurried towards the palace as if pursued. He knew he wasn’t the only one concerned about Miniel.

***

I’d only read about using holy power in books; this was my first time actually wielding it. Lime-green light gathered brightly at my fingertips, forming a small, luminous sphere. It felt warm to the touch, but different from ordinary heat.

“Do I need to stay still while you heal me…?” The bite mark wasn’t deep. Miniel’s holy power would erase it completely in no time. But as I reached towards Lowell’s arm, he abruptly grabbed my wrist. The holy power, losing its target, dissipated harmlessly.

“Lowell?” I tried to question him, but he cut me off, pulling my wrist and pushing me backward. I landed, not on the cold floor, but on the soft surface of a bed, precariously close to the edge.

“You’re surprisingly naive. Do you think I’d let such an opportunity slip now that I finally have a reason to corner you?”

“…Where’s Helion?”

“You’ve marred the Sun of the Empire. How much should I demand for that? A thousand gold coins wouldn’t even begin to cover it.”

“Where is Helion?”

“Or perhaps you could repay me with your body instead. Wouldn’t that be more… entertaining?”

“Helion!” I called out desperately, but there was no answer. Lowell leaned over me, effectively pinning me beneath him. Every instinct screamed at me to flee, but escape was impossible. Lowell, unfazed, reached out and extinguished the candle flame with his bare fingers.

“Don’t speak another man’s name in my presence, Miniel.” His whispered words, laced with a breathless intimacy, sent shivers down my spine. That line… It was what he’d said to Helion in the book, choked with jealous rage as he strangled him. Why? Where is Helion, and why is he doing this to me? Unlike the brutal force he’d used on Helion, his touch was unbearably gentle. The brush of his hair against my neck was more electric than ticklish. My mind clouded, barely able to process his words.